Apprenticeship success for Solihull Council

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) is celebrating another Apprenticeship success with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training.  Rhys Cartwright, who originally worked as chef, decided to go travelling around Australia, New Zealand and Singapore before embarking on the Apprenticeship programme within the company two years ago.

When Rhys returned from travelling he started applying for office based jobs, but without any success. He decided to follow the Apprenticeship route into Business Administration with SMBC where he was introduced to Chamber Training and he has never looked back. He successfully achieved his level 2 qualification in Business Administration and progressed to level 3.  His communication and organisational skills have improved dramatically and his future aim is to study at level 4.

Commenting on Rhys’ success, Rachel Swain, Development Officer at SMBC said: “Our HR Employment Services Team approached Chamber Training to discuss Apprenticeships within SMBC as an option to shape our workforce of the future. SMBC are now able to offer Apprenticeships for both new and existing employees. Rhys was our first Apprentice with Chamber Training and our team was extremely supportive throughout his qualification and ensured he had the support and time he needed to complete his portfolio effectively.  

“In addition, the advice and guidance received from Chamber Training was invaluable including the off-the-job training programmes which provided him with the ongoing support mechanism required.

“The Apprenticeship route has given Rhys the opportunity to progress within a role that he is really enjoying away from the kitchen environment as working as a chef was not the career path he wished to pursue. By taking this route into business administration, it has provided him with a new set of skills and enthusiasm. The tailored and dedicated training in-house and with Chamber Training has helped him to develop the skills he needed to grow and succeed in future.”

Lucy Howl, Account Manager at Chamber Training remarked: “Rhys has demonstrated that that there can be tremendous opportunities available for Apprentices with the right attitude and a willingness to learn.   With over 30 years’ experience, our statistics show that 96% of employers would recommend Chamber Training as we can offer highly flexible programmes to match employers’ needs.  Apprenticeships can be a real motivator and provide cost effective personal development, so we would urge businesses and individuals to talk to one of our advisers to find out more.”

Contact Chamber Training’s Business Development Team to find out more about the Apprenticeship route on 02476 231 122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Photo caption: L-R: Rachel Swain and Rhys Cartwright from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council